What hours and days does the Congestion Charge cover?

You will need to pay the Congestion Charge if you drive within the Congestion Charge zone between 07:00 to 18:00, Monday to Friday.

You will only need to pay the Congestion Charge once per day, regardless of how many times you drive in and out of the Congestion Charge zone on the same day.

There is no charge for driving in the Congestion Charge zone on weekends, public holidays, between Christmas Day and New Year's Day inclusive, or between 18:00 and 07:00.

When should I pay the Congestion Charge?

You can pay in advance, on the day of travel or by midnight the following charging day. If you pay in advance or by midnight of the day you travel, the Congestion Charge is GBP 11.50. If you pay after midnight of the day you travel and before midnight the following day the cost will be GBP 14.00.

IMPORTANT: Only use the official Transport for London service when paying the Congestion Charge. Many unofficial sites selling the Charge do so at a premium and do not have approval from TfL to operate this charge. Go to the Unofficial selling websites page on TfL for more information.

What happens if I don't pay the Congestion Charge?

Transport for London will charge a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) per offence if you don't pay the Congestion Charge by midnight of the following day you travel. This fee is currently GBP 130.00 but will be reduced to GBP 65.00 if paid within 14 days. You have 28 days to pay the PCN.

An additional admin fee of GBP 25.00 +VAT is payable if Budget handles the Penalty Charge Notice on your behalf.

When hiring a vehicle with Budget, it is your responsibility to pay the Congestion Charge. Any unpaid charges and penalties will be recovered from you by Budget.